Golf putting or chipping target

ABSTRACT

A golf putting or chipping target includes a first fabric member for resting on a playing or practice surface. The target further includes a second fabric member for providing a visual target for a golfer. The golf putting or chipping target further includes a weight located between the first and second fabric members and means for joining the first fabric member to the second fabric member.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial number 61/525,706, filed Aug. 19, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

As every golfer knows, the key to improving one's golf score is to decrease or “shave” strokes on or around the green. Various putting practice devices exist. However, there exists a need for a target that is useful for both putting and chipping, that is inexpensive to fabricate, and that is portable.

SUMMARY

A golf putting or chipping target includes a first fabric member for resting on a putting or chipping surface. The target further includes a second fabric member for providing a visual target for a golfer. The golf putting or chipping target further includes a weight located between the first and second fabric members and means for joining the first fabric member to the second fabric member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the subject matter described herein will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf putting or chipping target according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of a golf putting or chipping target according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a golf putting or chipping target according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 4 is a top view illustrating the use of golf putting or chipping targets on or around a golf green according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are front views illustrating various logos that may be included on a golf putting or chipping target according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 7 is a rear view illustrating and exemplary rear logo design for a golf putting or chipping target according an embodiment of the subject matter described herein;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for using a golf putting or chipping target according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein; and

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for promoting a product, service, or entity using a golf putting or chipping target according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a front view of a golf putting or chipping target 100 according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. In FIG. 1, golf target 100 includes a first fabric member 102 that provides a visual target for a golfer and that would normally face up when resting on a playing or practice surface. A logo 104 or other visual indicium may be located on first fabric member 102. Fabric member 102 may be formed of any suitable lightweight material, such as vinyl, nylon, or canvas. In one implementation, fabric member 106 may be formed of a woven poly duck material. Because golf putting or chipping target 100 is made of fabric members, golf putting or chipping target 100 is at least partially collapsible and may fit easily in a golf bag.

FIG. 2 is an exploded side view of golf putting or chipping target 100. In FIG. 2, target 100 includes fabric member 102, a second fabric member 106 for resting on a putting or chipping surface, and a weight 108 sandwiched between fabric members 102 and 106. Fabric member 106 may be formed of the same material as fabric member 102. Fabric member 106 may include the same indicium as fabric member 102, a different indicium from fabric member 102, or no indicium. Fabric members 102 and 106 may be joined to each other around the perimeter that surrounds weight 108 using any suitable means, such as stitching, gluing or ultrasonic welding. Weight 108 is preferably substantially flat to facilitate placement in a golfer's bag or pocket and also for resting on a putting or chipping surface. In one embodiment, weight 108 may be implemented using a washer made of a metallic material, such as iron or steel, including stainless steel, to give putting or chipping target 100 sufficient weight for accurate and rapid placement on a putting or chipping surface. In an alternate implementation, weight 108 may be formed of plastic or of the same or different fabric members 102 and 106. For example, weight 108 may be a scrap of fabric having the same or greater thickness as fabric members 102 and 106.

In one embodiment, both the front and back surfaces of weight 108 may be coated with an adhesive so that fabric members 102 and 106 will be fixedly attached to weight 108. This fixed attachment may reduce wear between weight 108 and fabric members 102 and 106 due to friction. The fixed attachment may also ensure that the outward facing surfaces of fabric members 102 and 106 are smooth and free from wrinkles or creases, which may facilitate viewing of logos or other indicia printed on such surfaces.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of golf putting or chipping target 100. In FIG. 3, fabric members 102 and 106 and weight 108 are substantially disk-shaped. That is, each of fabric members 102 and 106 and weight 108 has a round perimeter. However, other shapes may be used without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. For example, fabric members 102 and 106 and/or weight 108 may have square, rectangular, or other polygonal-shaped perimeters.

FIG. 4 illustrates the use of golf putting or chipping targets 100 on a golf green. In FIG. 4, golf putting or chipping targets 100 are located on a putting green so that a golfer can practice bunker shots, chip shots, and putts.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate exemplary logos that may be included on fabric member 102 to provide both an area of increased visual focus for the golfer and as promotional materials. FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary logo that may be included on fabric member 106. Exemplary logos that may be included on a golf putting or chipping target may include sports logos, product logos, company logos, targets, slogans, religious logos, or any other suitable promotional or non-promotional indicium that can be used for visual focus.

It should also be noted that putting targets and chipping targets may be of different sizes. For example, a golf putting target may be a disk shaped member having a diameter that is less than that of a golf hole, for example, about one half the diameter of a golf hole. A golf putting or chipping target 100 may be a disk shape member having a diameter that is about 8 inches and designed to be viewed from a distance. Either embodiment of golf putting or chipping target 100 may be substantially flat, e.g. sufficiently flat for a golf ball to roll across golf putting or chipping target 100.

According to another aspect of the subject matter described herein, a method for practicing golf putting or chipping using a golf putting or chipping target is provided. FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for practicing golf putting or chipping target according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. Referring to FIG. 8, in step 800, a golfer places a golf putting or chipping target on a playing or practice surface. For example, a golfer may place any of the targets described herein on a green, a fairway, in a bunker, or even on carpet. In step 802, the golfer visually focuses on the upward facing surface of the golf putting or chipping target. In step 804, the golfer puts or chips golf balls towards the target. The following sections illustrate exemplary uses of targets 100 for golf putting and chipping practice.

Putting

Great putting requires a combination of feel and accuracy. These are the drills that can be used to develop those skills.

-   1. Place two targets 100 on the green, approximately 30 feet apart.     Take 5 golf balls and putt the balls back and forth at the two     targets. The more you do this the better your distance control will     become. Concentrate on rolling the ball the proper distance and     nothing else. This will help you judge the speeds of the greens     before every match. -   2. Move the two targets 100 feet apart, continue to use 5 balls.     Focus on the target logo in the center of target 100. Before every     putt, take a moment to focus on the logo in the center of the     target. Line your putter face up to the logo and then roll putts at     the logo. Think about rolling the ball to the target and nothing     else. Putt the ball at a pace so that the ball will stop one to two     feet beyond the target. This will teach you to improve your aim and     distance control. -   3. Place the two targets 100 4 feet apart. Continue to use 5 balls.     Before every putt focus on the target logo in the center of the     target and square your putter face to the target. Putt the balls at     a pace that the balls will stop 12 inches beyond the target. Focus     only on the target logo and the pace of the ball. This will teach     you to focus on hitting what you are aiming at, and that is an     absolutely critical skill if you want to be a great putter. -   4. One key that we have not discussed but is very important in     putting is preparation. Before you play, put a mark on your golf     ball. This serves 3 purposes. First, it identifies your golf ball     from those of other golfers. Second, it helps line up putts. You may     want to simply a draw a straight line on your golf ball as your     mark. Then as you bend down behind the ball and place the ball on     the green, align this mark, or line, toward the target; or hole when     you are playing a match. By taking the time to get down behind the     ball and line the ball to your target before your address the ball     to putt, and then squaring your putter face to the target, you can     be very confident that you are lined up correctly. Then, as you are     about to putt the ball, focus intently on your mark. Then just make     a smooth stroke concentrating on just hitting the ball squarely with     your putter and you will see that your putting on line to the target     will improve dramatically.

The reality is that putting is not rocket science. If you will practice with this simple practice routine you will be amazed at how your putting will improve, and the more you practice the better you will putt. What will shock you once you have practiced with this method will be your ability to focus on a small spot inside the hole when you are playing. In one embodiment, target 100 is half the size of a golf hole. And once you have practiced and warmed up with target 100, the hole will look like a bucket. Then go out there, focus on where you want the ball to go, remember that you have been putting at something half the size of a golf hole and hitting it consistently. Now go out to the course and make some putts, and shave strokes off your score.

Chipping and Bunker Shots

-   1. Take 10 balls and go over to the chipping area and or practice     green at your golf course and place targets 100 on the green 30 feet     apart. Then play chip shots from in front of the green, five balls     to each target. -   2. Then move to the right side of the green and play from there,     five shots to each target. Then move to the back of the green, and     then to the opposite side of the green. -   3. Then if you have sand bunkers, do the same thing from each     bunker, five shots from each bunker to each target. -   4. Then move 30 yards from the green and play 5 shots to each     target. -   5. Then 40 yards, then 50 yards.

By following this simple drill you will play shots from different lie angles, some uphill, some downhill. You will be working on the critical short game shots you need to get the ball up and down from anywhere on the course. Be sure and play some shots from good lies and others from the rough to simulate the shots you will face while playing. By doing this simple drill consistently you will develop the confidence and feel you need to execute under pressure and shave strokes off your score.

The use of targets 100 to practice putting or chipping as described herein can be used to support the teaching of PGA golf instructors and coaches. The system is laid out to give you a practice routine with defined targets so that you may apply the instruction you receive from your PGA professional instructors and coaches to practice with in lessons, and then to continue to practice on your own, to create the muscle memory you need to execute under pressure. Your PGA golf instructor is dedicated to the improvement of your game, but ultimately it is up to you to take their expert instruction and apply it by practicing what they have taught you. The subject matter described herein is designed to assist golf instructors and coaches by giving you a tool to put what you have learned to use. So seek the advice of your local PGA professional, then use targets and methods described herein to practice the skills and techniques they are teaching you in your lessons with focus and consistency, and together these methods may shave strokes off your score.

Any of the targets 100 may be used as promotional items for tournaments, companies, sports teams, fundraisers, or any other event whether centered around an actual golf tournament or simply at a trade show. For example, a company or other entity seeking to promote its business may have its logo printed on either or both surfaces of target 100 for promotional purposes. Then, targets may be distributed at an event to promote the company or other entity. FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for promoting a product, service, or other entity using targets 100 according to an embodiment of the subject matter described herein. In FIG. 9, in step 900, a product, service, or entity indicium is placed on at least one fabric member of each of a plurality of golf putting or chipping targets. Each of the golf putting or chipping targets may be any of the golf putting or chipping targets described herein. The indicium may be a logo, slogan, or other visual feature that promotes the product, service, or entity. In step 902, the golf putting or chipping targets are distributed to potential users for promoting the product, service, or entity. For example, the targets may be distributed as part of a golf tournament, trade show, or other event that promotes a company, a product, a sports team, or other suitable entity.

It will be understood that various details of the subject matter described herein may be changed without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the foregoing description is for the purpose of illustration only, and not for the purpose of limitation. 

1. A golf putting or chipping target comprising: a first fabric member for resting on a putting or chipping surface; a second fabric member for providing a visual target for a golfer; a weight located between the first and second fabric members; and means for joining the first fabric member to the second fabric member.
 2. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second fabric members includes a disk shaped portion of fabric.
 3. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 2 wherein the disk shaped portions of fabric each comprise a poly duck material.
 4. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 3 wherein the poly duck material comprises a woven poly duck material.
 5. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 1 wherein the weight comprises a washer.
 6. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 1 wherein the weight comprises a flexible material.
 7. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 1 wherein the weight is adhesively attached to the first and second fabric members.
 8. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 1 wherein the means for joining comprises stitching around the perimeter of the first and second fabric members.
 9. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 1 comprising an indicium located on the second fabric member for providing the visual target.
 10. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 9 wherein the indicium comprises a logo, a target, or a slogan.
 11. The golf putting or chipping target of claim 1 wherein the first and second fabric members are at least partially collapsible.
 12. A method for practicing golf putting or chipping, the method comprising: placing first golf putting or chipping target at a first location on a playing or practice surface, the first golf putting or chipping target including a first fabric member for resting on the playing or practice surface, a second fabric member for providing a visual target for a golfer, a weight located between the first and second fabric members, and means for joining the first fabric member to the second fabric member; visually focusing on the second fabric member; and putting or chipping a golf ball towards the first golf putting or chipping target.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein each of the first and second fabric members comprises a disk shaped portion of fabric.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein the disk shaped portions of fabric each comprise a poly duck material.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein the poly duck material comprises a woven poly duck material.
 16. The method of claim 12 wherein the weight comprises a washer.
 17. The method of claim 12 wherein the weight comprises a flexible material.
 18. The method of claim 12 wherein the weight is adhesively attached to the first and second fabric members.
 19. The method of claim 12 comprising placing a second golf putting or chipping target on the playing or practice surface at a second location that is spaced from the first location and chipping or putting golf balls from the first location to the second location.
 20. The method of claim 19 comprising varying a distance between the first and second golf putting or chipping targets and practicing putting or chipping at the targets with different distances between the targets.
 21. A method for promoting a product, service, or entity, the method comprising: placing a product, service, or entity indicium on at least an fabric member of each of a plurality of golf putting or chipping targets, each of the golf putting or chipping target including a first fabric member for resting on a playing or practice surface, a second fabric member for providing a visual target for a golfer, a weight located between the first and second fabric members, and means for joining the first fabric member to the second fabric member; and distributing the golf putting or chipping targets to users for promoting the product, service, or entity. 